Cragonmore

Update to my previous post - as expected the battery ’failed’ when dealership tested it at my request when in for cars 1st Service. New battery installed under warranty. Will interesting to see how this one holds up. ( replacement was a VARTA Blue Dynamic D47 60 Ah CCA 540)

Hi Nand0, the left hand battery is the stop/start battery once you are up and running out on the road. The right hand battery is the ‘auxiliary’ battery which starts your engine on cold ignition (start up) and powers your auxiliary electronics (lights, infotainment, heating, etc ) it’s the auxiliary battery that’s giving people trouble if not run on a daily basis and not just short local runs. Many examples of this OEM Panasonic battery discharging between 4-7 days (12.5v down to 11.8v), unfortunately looks like I come into that category! I will be looking for the dealership to upgrade battery via warranty to give me more ‘time’ before discharged. Other than that eboxer forester is great.

I think I’ve accidentally come across another way to shut off the interior ultrasonic alarm sensors (useful for ferry crossings, dogs in car etc) however it may also be switching off doors and bonnet alarm as well!. If you step out the car and lock it as usual, the immobiliser activates as does the rest of the main alarm (Sigma?) I get the usual flashing immobiliser dash light and the second small LED red light (green/amber/red). If I then walk round and open the boot via the touch pad above the number plate, boot opens, the doors remain locked but the sigma interior ultrasonic alarm deactivates (and red LED light goes off). If I then press the close button on the boot lid (but not the close and lock button) then the boot closes and everything else remains locked but the red alarm LED doesn’t come back on. The immobiliser flashing light on dash stays on as usual. So I’m guessing at the very least the ultrasonic sensors are off, but I suspect the rest of the Sigma alarm system may also be off doors, bonnet, boot. Has anybody else come across this, and does doing this mean I’ve deactivated the full main alarm (except immobiliser) or just ultrasonic sensors? May a quick and easy way to switch off alarm in certain circumstances while keeping car locked.

Hi Allan, Purchased my eboxer Forester a couple of months ago so not had it long. With regards your question, yes auxiliary battery discharge still appears to be an issue with these cars going by on-line comments. In my case it has reared its ugly head, as I’ve noted the charge drop from 12.5v to 12.1v over 4 days if not used and even with routine driving every second day or so for 40 to 70 miles runs it just holds on at around 12.3v or less. In my case the car was a demonstrator when purchased, several months old with low mileage. I’m guessing it was used for short journeys and not run for several days at a time. I may have a battery that suffered several discharges and a bit ropey! I’ve charged it several times with a smart charger and monitoring situation. I’ve reported it to dealership and will get it tested properly in a few weeks time. I should add even at 12.1v it started ok first time but wouldn’t fancy it’s chances if left a couple more days. in respect of all other matters, love the car, comfortable, smooth, loads of easy to use boot space and very stable on the road in horrible stormy wet and windy weather.